Changing Children's Movie Narratives

Jan 11, 2025

Lecture Notes: Changing Narratives in Children's Movies

Introduction

  • Speaker's Favorite Part of Being a Dad
    • Sharing favorite movies with kids
    • Example: Watching "The Wizard of Oz" with his four-year-old daughter
    • Impact of "The Wizard of Oz" on his daughter
    • Comparison to current children's movies

The Distinctiveness of "The Wizard of Oz"

  • Contrast with Modern Movies
    • Minimal violence compared to contemporary children's films
    • Female-centric heroism and wisdom
    • Example: Contrast with "Star Wars"
      • Male-centric narrative
      • Princess Leia's limited role

Themes in Children's Movies

  • Narrative Differences
    • "The Wizard of Oz": Leadership and friendship
    • Modern films: Focus on defeating villains, male hero's journey
    • Lack of diverse role models and journeys for boys

Impact of Media on Children

  • Gender Representation
    • Disney princesses and their impact on girls
    • Limited representation for boys in mainstream media
  • Movie Industry Trends
    • Underrepresentation of female protagonists in top movies
    • Reference to the Bechdel Test
      • Criteria: Two women who talk to each other about something other than a man
    • Critique of "Argo" as an example

Societal Implications

  • Statistics and Concerns
    • Government study: 1 out of 5 women in America sexually assaulted
    • Questions about the impact of media on societal norms
    • Concerns about perpetuating "boy power"

Redefining Manhood and Parenting

  • Parental Role
    • Encouraging new definitions of manhood
    • Importance of showing sons role models that respect women and join teams
  • Recommendations
    • Seek out movies that pass the Bechdel Test
    • Encourage identification with courageous heroines
    • Example: Speaker's daughter prefers Obi-Wan Kenobi and Glinda

Conclusion

  • Desire for New Quests
    • More stories about collaboration and team-led by women
    • Positive role models for both sons and daughters
  • End Note
    • Emphasis on creating better narratives for children's growth